Qwiki

The Upper Paleolithic

The Upper Paleolithic, also known as the Upper Palaeolithic, represents the third and final subdivision of the Paleolithic or Old Stone Age. This epoch is broadly dated between 50,000 to 12,000 years ago and marks a significant era in the development of modern humans, characterized by the emergence of behavioral modernity.

Evolution of Modern Humans

During the Upper Paleolithic, there was a notable increase in the diversity of artefacts associated with modern human remains. This period is synonymous with the expansion of anatomically modern humans from Africa across Asia and Eurasia. This expansion contributed to the eventual extinction of the Neanderthals. The earliest evidence of organized settlements, such as campsites with storage pits, dates back to this era.

Cultural Developments

The Upper Paleolithic era witnessed significant advancements in tool technology and cultural practices. Tools became more sophisticated and included specialized implements such as blades and burins. These innovations paved the way for the creation of more complex societies and laid the groundwork for future technological advancements.

Art and Symbolism

The art of the Upper Paleolithic is considered some of the oldest known prehistoric art. This includes cave paintings, carvings, and figurative art which have been discovered in regions such as Europe and Southeast Asia. These artistic expressions reflect the cognitive developments and symbolic thought processes of humans during this time.

The Upper Paleolithic in Europe and Asia

Europe was populated by modern humans after approximately 45,000 years ago, with evidence suggesting their expansion northward into Siberia by around 45,000 years ago. The Ust'-Ishim man is an example of such early human presence in this region. This period is marked by the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), occurring from about 25,000 to 15,000 years ago, which significantly influenced human migration and settlement patterns.

Religion and Rituals

During the Upper Paleolithic, religion and ritual practices began to emerge more distinctly. Archaeological findings suggest the development of prehistoric religion involving burial rites and possibly shamanistic practices. This reflects the growing complexity of human cognitive abilities and social structures.

Related Topics

This intricate era laid the foundations for the subsequent Holocene epoch and the rise of agriculture, as humans continued to evolve and adapt to their environments.